BIG RAPIDS – Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-Holland) visited Ferris State
University on Monday, Nov. 16 to learn more about how Ferris is meeting
the needs of the new economy and manufacturing opportunities, the
retraining/retooling of industry and the environment.

While on
campus, Hoekstra spent time with College of Engineering Technology Dean
Thomas Oldfield and Interim Director for the School of Built Environment
John Schmidt touring the Granger Center for Construction and HVACR. The
Center is a 72,000 square-foot interactive learning environment with
exposed plumbing, electrical, structural and building components
providing learning opportunities beyond the typical classroom setting.

“We
want our students to not only be able to understand the engineering
aspect in their field, but to be able to apply that theory by providing a
hands-on experience,” Schmidt said.

Programs offered in the
Granger Center are in Construction Management with emphasis on Civil
Engineering Technology and Building Construction Technology; Heating,
Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology; and HVACR
Engineering Technology. The center also is used by industry like the
Michigan Department of Transportation through Ferris’ Institute for
Construction Education and Training, and Hobart Service for training
technicians in servicing commercial food service refrigeration equipment.

A
strong focus of the HVACR programs is on energy efficiency. As one of
only two HVACR bachelor’s degree programs in the country, Ferris is
looked upon by industry as leaders in educating environmentally aware
technicians and engineers.

“The School of Built Environment is
solidly formed around the education of efficiencies and sustainability
through our HVACR options, facility management degree, professors that
are LEED certified and our new Bachelor of Science degree in
Architecture and Sustainability that will be offered starting in Fall
2010,” Oldfield said.

Hoekstra ended his visit meeting with university President David Eisler.